We are Hiring a Human-Computer Interaction or Computer Science Postdoctoral Researcher

TheRyerson UniversitySocial Media Lab at the Ted Rogers School of Management in Toronto, Canada is seeking a highly motivated and creative Human-Computer Interaction or Computer Science Postdoctoral Researcher. The broad aim of this position is to engage in innovative research in social media and learning analytics, including the development and evaluation of a Social Media Learning Analytics Dashboard that uses data from social media. This postdoctoral fellowship position is part of the Social Media Lab’s Social Media Learning Analytics research stream, and is funded by an eCampusOntario Research and Innovation grant.

Applicants must have a demonstrable expertise and interest in developing analytical/information dashboard applications using open source packages and conducting user-driven evaluation of such systems through methods such as surveys and interviews. In addition, applicants must also have strong research writing, technical, and communication skills and a passion for data analysis (both qualitative and quantitative).

The position will be for one year. The starting date is flexible, but must begin by May 1, 2017. The salary is $45k-50k CAD per annum plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Click here for information about the benefits.)

The successful candidate will be a member of and work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Ryerson University’s Social Media Lab, headed by Dr. Anatoliy Gruzd, Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management. The researcher is expected to be located in Toronto, Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to collaborate actively with all team members and contribute to the intellectual life of the lab. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Developing and evaluating a new information dashboard application for social media learning analytics,

Contributing substantially to this and other research projects and publications of the lab,

Communicating regularly with the project team,

Actively participating in the knowledge management and translation of the lab research via conferences, the lab’s website and via our various social media channels.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A doctorate in one of the following areas: Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Information Studies, Communication, Education or a related field is required

Demonstrated interest in social media analytics and learning analytics

Knowledge of formal usability evaluation techniques

Knowledge of various statistical methods to analyze survey data such as regression analysis, factor analysis, etc.

To apply to this funding opportunity, the applicant must:

be a current doctoral student, or have earned a first doctorate from a recognized university no earlier than September 2014 (date all degree requirements were completed, not the date of graduation), or have completed a first doctorate no earlier than September 2011, but have since had their career interrupted or delayed for the purpose of maternity, childrearing, illness, or health-related family responsibilities;

not hold a tenure or tenure-track faculty position;

TO APPLY:

Candidates should submit the following materials electronically to Dr. Anatoliy Gruzd at work@socialmedialab.ca

Please email one PDF file that includes the following:

Cover Letter that describes your relevant background and skills, range of interests and career goals

Academic CV

The name and contact information for three research references (one reference should be your doctoral advisor) Reference letters will only be solicited from the short-listed candidates

Two publication/writing samples

DEADLINE:

Review of applications will begin on March 31, 2017 and continue until the position is filled.

INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND:

Located at the heart of downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada, the Social Media Lab is an internationally recognized multi- and interdisciplinary research laboratory at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. The lab studies how social media is changing the ways in which people communicate and disseminate information and how these changes impact the social, economic and political structures of modern society. Our expertise lies in studying online communities and social networks as well as developing new tools and methods for analyzing and visualizing social media data.

Ryerson University is a public research university. The university is composed of 36,000+ undergraduate students, 2,000+ graduate students, and 70,000 yearly certificate and continuing education registrations. Ryerson has been one of the fastest growing research institutions in Canada. Ryerson University is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The university is known for innovative programs built on the integration of theoretical and practically oriented learning.